"The emotions on family law matters suggests to me that its not suited to the legal process at all - unless you are a legal advisor. Nothing like a fairly solvent pig ignorant litigant"
That is patronising and a huge disservice to most family law practitioners.
Litigants in matrimonial cases, invariably, in my experience, deliberately seek out find the legal advisers that best suit their requirements/needs. Be that to litigate endlessly or settle amicably.
If the parties are sensible, civil and respectful of each other, mediation works and works well. It does not work where there is no joint commitment and no respect.
"the Courts are wasting time where one or other side or both require serious talking to. "
In my experience, 25 years as a domestic and family law solicitor, most solicitors do that serious talking to. But, for much of the time, it is a waste of time if a client simply will not listen.
As regards Safety Orders, I would roughly calculate ( again, from experience) that no more than 10% of Safety Orders are issued based on untrue allegations. The rest are needed and, indeed, so badly needed that I would almost question if they can be effective against completely out of control behaviour.
mf